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Insomnia Remedies for PreppersEssential oils and herbs to cope with insomnia naturally

How preppers deal with insomnia naturally:Lack of sleep is often a result of an overactive mind. Stresses at work, job loss, divorce, death of a loved one, menopause, illness or an emergency situation ~ all can cause insomnia.

During a crisis, your mind could be hyper alert with thoughts keeping you awake at night. Without adequate sleep you may not be able to follow through on an effective strategy of survival, which is why it's important for preppers to take note of natural remedies for insomnia.

How Preppers Cope with InsomniaHerbs and essential oils already are part of the homesteading life that preppers have embraced. Preppers who aspire to grow a medicinal garden should first learn how the herbs can help improve the quality of life. To that end, below are the top natural remedies for insomnia.

If you suffer from insomnia you can significantly improve the quality of sleep with these natural remedies:

#1: Melatonin.For both insomnia and fatigue you can turn to natural relief ofmelatonin. The secret of sleeping better has to do with the dosage size. Choose only 1-5 mg. doses.

Melatonin is a potent free radical scavenger naturally or hormone produced in your pineal gland and present in high amounts in the gastrointestinal tract. It helps to regulate the body’s natural biorhythm, but too much of a good thing won't help you sleep. When melatonin levels are low, less of the hormone is released into the bloodstream, resulting in restlessness or wakefulness. You can restore balance to your body with Melatonin, but remember, less is more. Look for a melatonin that's 5-mg or less to help you get into a healthy sleep cycle. You may otherwise wake up with a headache!

How to use melatonin: This supplement will help you drift off to dream land, but it's important to note that while itinduces sleep, but it doesn't necessarily maintain sleepm so if you don't find yourself waking up at night, give Melatonin a go. Take a small does of Melatonin a 1 mg. capusule or no more than a 5 mg. capsule of Melatonin at bedtime to promote relaxation and sleep. Remember that larger doses could do reverse damage and you'll have an even more difficult time sleeping. Look for 5 mg. doses and below. It's all your body needs.

#2: Lavender essential oil (lavandula anguistifolia).Lavender is a familiar sleep aid that offers peace and tranquility along with a refreshing clean scent. Lavender can reduce feelings of anger, agitation and insecurity. Your ancestors likely washed linens in lavender. The word comes from Latin lavare meaning "to wash." Lavender essential oil can help you wash away the restless night to get a better night's sleep. Research confirms lavender produces calming, soothing, and sedative effects when inhaled, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. You can achieve inhalation through use of a diffuser or by making a spritzer.

How to use lavender essential oil for sleep: Diffuse lavender essential oil in the bedroom, or use a spritzer to freshen bedsheets. Alternatively, you can use a sachet of the herb as a night mask. Lavender essential oil is generally regarded as safe on the skin, but if you have hyper-sensitivity you can choose a kid-safe lavender and apply to the feet. As with all essential oils, never use them undiluted. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children and pets. If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier).

#3: California poppy (Eschscholzia Californica).If you've ever watched the Wizard of Oz you know the scene where Dorothy falls asleep in the poppies, right? California poppy might not be as potent as in the movie classic, but it certainly has some impressive uses for anxiety relief, pain relief as well as a sedative for better sleep.

A tincture of California Poppy is useful in treating sleeplessness and over excitability. It's a non-addictive alternative to the opium poppy. It acts as a sedative or as a general antispasmodic. Although its primary use for pain relief is associated with the teeth, it can be used as a general sedative to the body; it helps with (chronic) pains such as headaches, stomach pains, muscle pains, joint pain, and external wounds.

Fix insomnia naturally with California Poppy!

How to use California Poppy: Adults take 30-50 drops of California Poppy extract in a small amount of water or favorite juice 2-4 times daily between meals. It's not to be used during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take medications, please consult with your doctor before use. Also, this is not for children.

Chamomile is an herb you can use topically as an essetnial oil and there are two kinds ~ German Chamomile and Roman Chamomile. Both oils have properties of calming, as well as lowering stress and relaxing the muscles, but specifically Roman Chamomile Essential oil is for insomnia. (Use German chamomile as anti-inflammatory for redness in skin and for reducing pain and inflammation.)

Use Roman Chamomile Essential oil or a chamomile herbal tea to promote a restful night's sleep. Roman Chamomile is also effective at relieving menstrual and abdominal cramping, so if that's keeping you awake at night all the more reason to choose Roman Chamomile to help you sleep. It's one of the top essential oils for your health. It has stress relieving properties that ease out depression,

How to use Roman Chamomile for insomnia: Enjoy the herbal tea at bedtime as a part of your nightly routine. Roman Chamomile oil can ease migraine headaches like no other. It also calms a state of stress enabling a restful sleep. With its deep aroma of banana, apples and spices along with a hint of floral you'll feel restful using it as a diffuser for three hours at bedtime. Alternatively, you can use a carrier oil and rub it in your feet.

#6: Frankincense.Another of the essential oils for insomnia is frankincense, which can induce incredibly vivid and creative dreams and yet enhance settling down at bedtime. Studies show olfactory cues of frankincense enhance memory, which is interesting in that the reason for sleep is a mystery, but the role of sleep may be as a way to consolidate memory.

Frankincense has a traditional role in improving learning and memory, according to an abstract published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, as it affects the Hippocampus, a sensitive region of the brain. The study suggests Frankincense increases dendritic segments and branches of neuron cells in the hippocampus, which in turn causesmore synapses to fire and improve learning and memory.

How to use Frankincense for insomnia: Apply a drop at the back of the neck applied with a carrier oil. Use with caution as frankincense is potent and may cause irritation if applied"neat" without a carrier oil. Rest assured that it is anannointing oil of the bible, safe and used to also treat avariety of cancers naturally, most notably brain cancer. Dr. Josh Axe suggests using frankincense as a bath soak.Alternatively diffuse frankincense with Sandalwood and Ravensara at bedtime to promote a good night's sleep.

#7: Cedarwood essential oil (Cedrus deodara or junipernus virginiana).Cedarwood essential oil can help you increase sleep time and keep the moths away! Cedarwood essential oil is a very soothing and calming scent and you can find your favorite ~ either Cedrus deodara or Junipernus virginiana for helping you with sleep. Both have a sweet woody aroma to support a healthy respiratory function, as well as for stress relief, strengthening and empowering.

The major components of cedarwood essential oil are alpha-cedrene, beta-cedrene, cedrol, widdrol, thujopsene and a group of sesquiterpenes —~ all of which contribute a great deal to its health benefits. Its scent gives out a warm, soft, grounding, and comfortable feeling.

When you inhale cedarwood by diffusion you can relieve congestion and respiratory function. You'll feel refreshed when you awaken as Cedarwood Essential Oil helps calm the mind. Mix with Lavender Essential Oil, which inspires tranquility.

How to use Cedarwood Essential Oil for sleep: Simply diffuse it at bedtime. Cedarwood essential oil blends well with bergamot, chamomile, clary sage or lavender~ all of which also help aid sleep. Add a few drops with water into the diffuser and enjoy a restful slumber. A bonus use of cedarwood essential oil is that you can add some to your shampoo and you'll cut down on the dandruff. That's something to keep in mind if you take a shower at bedtime.

#8: Lugols iodine.Preppers may recognize Lugols iodine for emergency disinfection of drinking water ~ as well, preppers may also be familiar with Lugals for removing parasites, but many aren't in the know thatLugols will also have you sleeping better!

This dietary supplement of iodine and potassium iodide is a calming sleep aid. Lugols contains iodine which has the natural function of calming the body and relieving nervous tension. When the body is saturated with iodine, the mind works better and the result is clear thinking and a relaxed state.

Why does iodine work for sleep? An essential mineral your body depends on for healthy thyroid function, iodine is vital to support your metabolism, maintain energy levels and fight fatigue. Iodine is necessary for the thyroid gland to work properly. Your thyroid works hard ~ all the blood in your body passes through it every 17 minutes or so. If your iodine intake from food and water is low, then your gland gets deprived of the much needed element that it needs to work.

Lugols also can help resolve cancers, such as thyroid cancer. We usually get iodine from our diet, however the soil is depleted of essential nutrients and iodine is one of those minerals. In Japan the average consumption of iodine is 10-14mg daily and Japan has one of the lowest cancer rates in the developed world!

How to use Lugol's Solution for insomnia: Take under the tongue at 2 drops a day. Always fresh Lugols does not expire. Store at room temperature out of direct sunlight with no need to refrigerate.

How to use ylang-ylang. Dr. Axe suggests diffusing ylang-ylang with Roman Chamomile and Veveter.

Essential Oils Can Help with Insomnia!Essential oils, such as lavender, can help release of serotonin, endorphins, and noradrenalin with a calming and euphoric effect.According to Asian Pacific of Tropical Biomedicine in an abstractpublished in ScienceDirect.com with open access funded by Hainan Medical University, the following essential oils all help alleviate insomnia:

Angelica archangelica rad (angelica)

Cananga odorata (ylang ylang)

Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile)

Citrus aurantium var. amara (neroli bigarade)

Cistus ladaniferus (labdanum)

Citrus bergamia (bergamot)

C. limon (lemon)

Citrus reticulata (mandarin)

Citrus sinensis (sweet orange)

Cuminum cyminum (cumin)

Juniperus communis fruct. (juniper berry)

Lavandula angustifolia (lavender)

Litsea cubeba (may chang)

Melissa officinalis (lemon balm)

Myrtus communis (myrtle)

Ocimum basilicum (basil) (nervous)

Origanum majorana (sweet marjoram)

Ravensara aromatica (ravensara)

Thymus vulgaris ct. geraniol, ct. linalool (sweet thyme)

Valeriana officinalis (valerian)

Gelatin aids sleep!Who knew Jello is good for you? Gelatin is good for the skin, it also can help heal your gut, protect your joints and help you sleep better. Here are five reasons to eat more gelatin and why even vegetarians, should eat more gelatin.

Prepare to live happily ever after with us at happypreppers.com - the Web site of emergency preparedness, prepping, survival, homesteading and self-sufficiency.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------* These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. For any health or dietary matter, always consult your physician. Not for use if you are pregnant ornursing. This information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Never disregard or delay in seeking medical advice when available.

#9: Marjoram Essential Oil.For insomnia, you can turn to the natural relief of Sweet Marjoram, which helps provide a state of mind that is calming and help you feel at ease. Marjoram essential oil is a precious and comforting oil at all levels. Not only does it support the respiratory system and comfort the senses, but you can use it to relieve discomfort during the menstrual cycle, or alleviate sore and achy muscles.

Marjoram has a slightly sweet, herbaceous scent that is fresh and medicinal. It's warm, spicy and woodsy! It calms stress and anxiety and promotes a long restful sleep.

How to use Marjoram Essential Oil: Apply to the base of the neck with a carrier oil to ease feelings of stress and promote a restful sleep. It's also a natural antiseptic and anti-viral. Apply a diluted amount to the skin to fight bacteria and viruses.

NOTE: Marjoram is among the essential oils to avoid if you are pregnant or lactating!

#10: Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora).American skullcap is also a nervine that soothes nerves. It treats insomnia and is also a headache remedy.

Skullcap is a natural sedative that has many names ~ Scutellaria, Scullcap, Scute, Blue Skullcap, Mad-Dog Skullcap, and Madweed. Skullcap has a traditional use in support for emotional and nervous system conditions. Skullcap can help you sleep better!

Skullcap reduces tension and anxiety and relieves insomnia caused by pain or nervous tension. This herbaceous perennial mint with ridged leaves and tiny flowers that can range in color from purple and blue to pink and white, can be ingested as a tincture to calm someone under extreme stress.

Skullcap has the sideline benefit of breaking addictions to nicotine and alcohol. It may help to ease tension just enough stop the additive substance. To break an addiction, take 15-20 drops of skullcap tincture every hour or two tolessen the severity of drug or alcohol withdrawal.

#11: Tryptophan.You know that sluggish feeling you get on Thanksgiving day after eating? That's the trytophan in turkey casting a sleepy spell. Specifically, L-Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that helps support mood, relaxation, and restful sleep. What's more, LTryptophan plays a part in the synthesis of both melatonin and serotonin, hormones involved with mood and stress response

How to use tryptophan: Eat foods high in tryptophan, like turkey or take an L-Tryptophan supplement! With careful planning you can add turkey to your food storage:

An effective herbal remedy for insomnia, valerian root tea, which has a minty and mildly bitter and sweet with notes of citrus and spice, will be your go-to in crisis.

Valerian root calms your nerves and promotes deep relaxation, especially for those dealing with pain. Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) is natural aspirin alternative which not only has sedative effects, but also is an anti-spasmodic, meaning it relaxes muscles.

Skip the antidepressant and mood stabilizers, have a cup of Valerian root tea and awake calm and refreshed.

Valerian has a relaxing effect on the nervous system making it another way preppers can deal with insomnia.

It's a natural herb that helps support a restful sleep.

How to use Valerian root: Valerian is generally safe, but use caution if also using depressants. Valerian can be useful as a dietary supplement for headaches; mental strain or lack of concentration; nervousness, and stress as well as for dealing with a variety of other ailments and conditions, including:

Vetiver oil works most directly on the nervous system for those who have neurological conditions, ADHT and autism ~ and it can work on those who have dementia.

How to use Vetiver oil for insomnia. Dr. Josh Axe in the video below suggests a recipe of 2 drops of lavender oil, 2 drops of roman chamomile oil and 1 drop of vetiver. Mix them in your hands with a bit of a carrier oil and rub it on the back of your neck to promote a restful night's sleep. Alternatively, you can use a diffuser to allow the vapors to induce sleep. Diffusers will affect pets.